Young People Encouraged to Share Their Views at Translink Youth Summit

Translink is encouraging young people aged 14-24 from across Northern Ireland to sign up to attend the Translink Youth Summit on 24 November.

The annual event is an opportunity for younger generations to share their views, experiences and ideas on the future of public transport and the role it plays in society, education and climate change.

Hosted at the National Football Stadium, Windsor Park, the event will give young people a platform to have their say on how Translink can help meet their current and future transport needs.

The Translink Youth Summit is an initiative developed by members of the Translink Youth Forum and the NI Youth Forum which is made up of members ages 14-24 to represent the needs and experiences of young people meets using public transport.

The event includes a series of workshops facilitated by NI Youth Forum youth workers covering themes such as climate, safety and respect.  

Commenting of the importance of listening to young people’s experiences and ideas, Maeve Nethercott Brand Representative at Translink, said:

“We know that public transport plays a vital role in the lives of young people, whether its travelling to school, college or university, getting to work, or going out with friends. Young people are also often at the forefront of taking positive action on climate issues and championing change for a more sustainable future – an issue which Translink is already leading the way on as we continue to deliver on our pledge to be carbon neutral by 2040.   

“As an entirely youth-focused event, the Translink Youth Summit is an ideal opportunity for young people to have their say, raise important issues and provide essential feedback on our services and network.

“At Translink we’re committed to making public transport an affordable and attractive travel option to our passengers right across Northern Ireland and through events like this we aim to better connect with young people so we can listen carefully, learn about what they want and need, and shape our services to make public transport the first choice for travel today, for tomorrow”. 

Also, speaking about the event Marty Kelly from the Northern Ireland Youth Forum said,

“The Northern Ireland Youth Forum and Translink have worked in partnership for over ten years to help promote youth voice and meet their needs when using public transport. It’s so importance to have a youth involvement in events like this to really get to grips with the issues that directly affect young people. We would encourage all young people aged 14 – 24 from across Northern Ireland to come along, get involved and have their say and shape the future of public transport for your generation.”

To book a place email maeve.nethercott@translink.co.uk or for more information on the Translink Youth Forum visit www.translink.co.uk/youthforum